Returning to familiar and hardline rhetoric against Greece, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler accused Greece of provocations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, as well as violations of international treaties. Güler went as far as warning that Turkey would respond decisively if Greece does not comply with international treaties mandating the demilitarisation of islands or if Turkish national security is threatened by the buildup of forces in Alexandroupoli.
A Shift in tone
Adopting two completely different tones on the same day regarding relations with Greece, Defence Minister Güler once again demonstrated that the Turkish political leadership’s stance shifts depending on the audience.
During his opening speech on Tuesday morning before the Turkish Parliament’s Budget Committee, Güler presented himself as an advocate for peaceful coexistence, delivering mild statements about Greek-Turkish relations. However, when faced with questions from opposition MPs, his tone shifted abruptly and notably.
Also read: Athens responds to Güler’s provocative statements
Focus on the Aegean
Responding to opposition MPs’ questions regarding the Aegean, Güler accused Greece of provocations in the region, warning that such actions would not go unanswered.
“In the Aegean, as in other matters, the Ministry of National Defence operates in close coordination with all relevant ministries and agencies, especially our President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to safeguard our national rights and interests while fulfilling its duties,” Güler stated, outlining a Turkish strategy that combines diplomatic and military actions.
Güler also referenced “unauthorised research activities” in areas Turkey claims as its potential continental shelf.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has undertaken the necessary diplomatic actions towards Greek authorities regarding unauthorised research activities carried out by Greece in our potential continental shelf in the Aegean Sea, in violation of the 1976 Bern Agreement and international law,” he said, invoking an international agreement to reinforce Ankara’s narrative about alleged Greek violations.
He further emphasised that Turkey responded promptly on the ground by deploying naval and coast guard units to address the situation.
Accusations against Greece
Güler went on to accuse Greece of “exploiting” areas of responsibility in the Aegean, calling for the resolution of issues based on international law and the principle of equity.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through diplomacy, and the Ministry of National Defence, through its actions, are responding to Greece’s attempts to establish faits accomplis in disputed areas of responsibility in the Aegean, which should be resolved according to international law and the principle of equity,” he stated.
Demilitarisation of islands
Touching on the issue of demilitarised islands, with a particular focus on Kastellorizo, Güler accused Greece of continuing to violate the status of many islands.
He highlighted that “Kastellorizo, located just 1,900 metres from Turkey, is among the 23 islands that should have a demilitarised status according to international agreements.” Güler reiterated that Turkey would not tolerate the violation of these agreements or the deployment of military forces to these islands.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the militarisation of these islands and the violation of their status,” he said, warning that “Turkey will not hesitate to exercise its rights under international agreements to restore the demilitarised status of these islands.”
Monitoring US activities in Alexandroupoli
Regarding Alexandroupoli, Güler stated that Turkey closely monitors U.S. activities in the region and is prepared to act to protect its national interests.
“We closely follow all developments in our region, including the U.S. military presence in Alexandroupoli, assessing their implications for our country’s defence and security. We are aware of U.S. bases in Greece and their activities. The deployment of U.S. forces in Alexandroupoli affects strategic balances in the region and directly concerns Turkey’s security policies. We take the necessary diplomatic and military measures to safeguard our national security interests,” he stated.
Turkey as the “guardian” of the Eastern Mediterranean
Güler declared Turkey a key regulator of the Eastern Mediterranean, asserting that no activity would be permitted without Ankara’s consent.
“In the Eastern Mediterranean, disputes over maritime jurisdiction stem from Greece’s and the GCA’s maximalist and unlawful claims. To protect its rights and interests, Turkey has taken various initiatives, both on the ground and diplomatically. We have demonstrated our firm stance as a significant actor in the Eastern Mediterranean through maritime jurisdiction agreements with the TRNC in 2011 and Libya in 2019, as well as through our continental shelf declaration to the United Nations on March 18, 2020,” Güler said.
He underscored Turkey’s determination to safeguard its claimed sovereignty in the Eastern Mediterranean, citing incidents where Turkish naval forces intervened against foreign ships conducting activities in what Turkey considers its waters.
EastMed pipeline “on paper”
Güler also boasted about the cancellation of the EastMed pipeline project, describing it as a “paper project.”
“This is one of the clearest demonstrations of Turkey’s determined stance,” he said, emphasising that Ankara has made it clear that no major project can proceed without its approval.
Greece’s international strategy
Güler criticised Greece for attempting to create an international front against Turkey, calling such actions aggressive and destabilising.
“Greece continues efforts to involve the U.S., the European Union, regional countries, and third parties in its disputes with Turkey in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean,” Güler noted.
Turkey, he said, aims to ensure “national security and the safety of life and property for our citizens,” expressing hope that Greece would adopt a similar approach.
“We believe and expect that every action by regional countries, including Greece, will contribute to peace and stability rather than escalating tensions,” Güler concluded.
